WELCOME TO

WORLD WATER DAY 2021 | SAULT STE. MARIE | 2021

Join us At Our Inaugural Event

TWIN SAULT COMMUNITIES | ONTARIO AND MICHIGAN

In celebration and protection of freshwater, as we share stories, backed by science and research, to raise awareness of the huge importance these incredible waterways have in the world, highlighting threats faced along with actions for change. We invite everyone to tune in to this educational platform to learn and think about water, a little bit differently.

Get Engaged

1 | Sign up for a Virtual Event

2 | Share your water stories

We ask that you share your stories of freshwater, and what water means to you, to inspire and be inspired by our storytelling challenge, as a student or member of the broader community; from anywhere on the globe. 

Share your favourite memory or experience surrounding freshwater, or let us know what you’re doing to reduce single-use plastics, then nominate 3 friends with a tag to complete the #freshwater4change challenge by March 15th. Make sure to use the hashtag #freshwater4change and #water2me, and follow @Bluemar4change for a chance to have your story featured in World Water Day’s presentation on March 22. We’ve all got a freshwater story.  Please do share!

Get posting and tag three friends! 

GREAT GRATITUDE

Indigenous communities are on both sides of the border in Sault Ste. Marie.

We acknowledge that we are on the traditional territories of the Anishinaabe and Métis communities of Northern Ontario, known as Baawaating. Batchewana First Nation and Garden River First Nation (adjacent to Sault, ON) and Michigan’s Sault Tribe of Chippewas and Bay Mills. Métis Nation of Ontario and the Missinabie Cree First Nation, also have representation here.

To the amazing team of inspired volunteers, creating and delivering our inaugural World Water Day celebration, for our Twin Sault communities and beyond. A collaborative effort for our Upper Great Lakes.

Emily (Website Build Extraordinaire), Alexa (Communications Director), Beth (CFRE Lead Partner), Samara (Research Assistant), Stevie (Moderator and Assistant), Kristan (Arts-Educator Research Co-Lead), Elaine (Environmental Research Co-Lead), Margot (CFRE LSSU Campus Lead), Jeff (Photography), Tom (City of SSM), Travis (the City of Sault Ste. Marie), Rebecca (Invasive Species Centre), Ashley (CFRE), Elliot (Michigan Sea Grant), Trish, Mike and Tom (Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry Science and Research Branch), Megan (Algoma University) Minna (Program and Research Co-Lead), Jody (Program and Research Co-Lead)

Special Thanks to Dr. Andrew Judge and SASA (Shingwauk Aboriginal Student Association) Algoma University SIG (SSHRC Institutional Grant)

In addition, thank you too all who submitted their artwork, photography, videos and poetry to the #freshwater4change Storytelling Challenge.

The City of Sault Ste. Marie is located on the shore of the St. Mary’s River, connecting Lake Huron and Lake Superior, at the heart of the Great Lakes. The Soo is a great location for world class water experiences. From strolling along the updated waterfront boardwalk, to paddling a freighter canoe alongside an interpretive guide, or kayaking and paddle boarding against the St Mary’s River current and locking through the historic Canal, Sault Ste. Marie offers a great deal of exciting water based activities. 

 To compliment these waterfront initiatives, it is important to note that St Mary’s River is also known for its abundance of whitefish and other iconic Canadian fishing species. We celebrate this ancient fishery by working with local guides who provide positive angling experiences by wading and fly fishing or spin fishing via boat available right from the City’s downtown core. Adding to this experience, the City is currently working toward installing fishing line disposal units down the waterfront to assist in keeping our natural landscape clean and wildlife safe.